Overview & Reviews

The Chevy Aveo was one of the first representatives of a new generation of inexpensive small cars that dawned in the 2000s as car shoppers began changing their buying habits to reflect rising gas prices and tough financial times. Unlike the penalty boxes of old, these small cars would sacrifice little in terms of reliability, features or comfort.

Having said that, the Aveo paled in comparison to later competitors. Built in Korea by GM-owned Daewoo, the Aveo was uninspiring to drive and saddled with subpar interior quality. A penalty box it was not, but it wasn't an object of desire, either. Eventually, Chevrolet discontinued the Aveo and replaced it with the vastly superior Sonic.

Most Recent Chevrolet Aveo
The Chevy Aveo was available as a subcompact sedan or four-door hatchback called the Aveo5. Both debuted in 2004 and, apart from the subsequent minor face-lifts that occurred for the sedan in '07 and the hatchback in '09, didn't significantly change throughout its run.

From 2004-'08, every Aveo was powered by a 1.6-liter inline-4 that made 103 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. For '09, it was bumped up to 107 hp and 106 lb-ft, while for 2010 those figures were revised to 108 hp and 104 lb-ft. Transmission choices were always a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic. Manual transmission gear ratios were altered for 2010 for improved fuel economy.

The Aveo's tall profile wasn't the most aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the outside, but it certainly paid dividends in terms of providing useful amounts of headroom and legroom. The Aveo's interior also provided a commanding view for all passengers, and a fully reclining front passenger seat and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat expanded cargo capacity. The sedan's trunk offered 12.4 cubic feet of storage space. The Aveo5 also had a fold-down rear seat, and it could carry up to 42 cubic feet of cargo.

In Chevrolet Aveo reviews, our editors found it to be the least appealing of contemporary subcompacts, particularly toward the end of its life. But as a used car purchase, the Aveo represents a pretty affordable way to get acceptable transportation. Strengths included a low price, ample headroom and logical control layout. Downsides included mediocre acceleration, an unrefined driving experience, subpar cabin quality and a sloppy gearshifter (this was the rare instance in the subcompact class where we would recommend the automatic). Shoppers will want to consider 2006 and later Aveos, as they have additional features such as side airbags, alloy wheels and cruise control.

User Reviews:

• 

  Fun 2008 Chevy Aveo - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Rich - April 3 - 10:05 am

  Bought a 5 door hatch in the LS trim in March of 2008. Did lots of research on the car and found it to be as advertised. Gas mileage is roughly 30 on the highway and about 25 city. Not quite as good as I would expect in a vehicle of this size. Aerodynamics are questionable as the vehicle is boxy and this probably leads to some loss of mileage. I took the car on a trip to a surrounding state and found that it did surprisingly well on the highways, even on a very windy day. Cruise control would be a nice addition for higway driving. The interior is surprisingly roomy and 4 people can be fairly comfortable for short hops. This is an excellent commuter car and has some nice features.

• 

  Nice car, a few problems - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Amy Voutt - March 25 - 12:20 pm

  I love my 2008 Aveo that I purchased in aug 2007 however I have had some problems with it. Not once but twice the struts had to be changed (the same side). And just a month ago it was in the shop for 3 weeks because something happened to my transmission. Now that it is fixed and it is running okay I love it. I get great gas mileage and I love that it has 4 doors. Great for families with a 5 year old like me and still is somewhat sporty. Love the spoiler.

• 

  So Far, So Good - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By DeBeez - March 23 - 10:18 am

  This is my first auto so I was looking for a fuel efficent, easy to drive car. Well, I lucked out with both. This car handles well and parks easily too. Ive had only had to replace a rim and tire but that had to do with potholes, not the car. My only issues are that braking distance needed at higher speeds is longer than I expected and when Im on the expressway and go above 60mph,the car starts to drift.

• 

  turns out to be ok - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By christopher wilkins - March 22 - 6:35 am

  I have come to love driving it but it lacks acceleration and the miles per gallon are not that great. I estimate that I get maybe 15mpg as oppose to the 26 to 32 that I have seen posted on the sticker. The head room is great, as for the leg room which can become an issue with passengers in the back. I like the handling around corners and how smooth the ride is. All in all, Ive grown to love the cars qualities as well as its downsides

• 

  Good long Hauler - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Living in NY - March 20 - 3:10 pm

  We just got our Aveo in December. I used it for a business conferance to Lake Geroge - 350 miles across southern NY. I set the cruise at 70 for most of the trip. Im a big fellow - 270 - and I felt the car was pretty peppy. Lots of head room and body room. And considering I averaged 34 mpg, I think the cars a good deal. The dealer sold the car to us for just under 12000, including rebates. All we added was cruise control. We only have three thousand miles on it, but so far it runs like a champ. By the by. I had good winter tires installed at purchased - along with extra rims. The car handles very well in heavy snow and on ice with those tires.

• 

  Im Happy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By papsonp - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Im happy with my little Aveo. Well built, comfortable, and effecient. Sedan is convenient. Trunk is roomy with rear seat access. Rides like a bigger car, firm but not harsh. Sufficient power fro long inclines at highway speed.

• 

  Mr. Darcy - 2004 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Darcy - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I like this car, which the price is very decent. Drive pretty smooth. Come with cd & mp3. What do you want at this price!!

• 

  Loaded 4-Door Sedan LT Automatic Trans - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Mark - February 20 - 12:10 am

  With negotiation, rebates and GM card earnings,paid $11,133 for all-option car listing at $17,255. City mileage 26-30mpgno highway trips yet. I love this little car for what we have been using it for. It is comfortable, and although not a high performer, has plenty of zip for city and highway driving. I am impressed with the build quality,though carpeting is not dense. Winter mats are $80 for the set, are a custom fit and have good water retention edges. Rear seat a little tight, but rarely used. Mud flaps offer great protection. Modest steering vibration (Engine idle feedback), but no worse than Honda Civic Hybrid. Our other cars are a newer Suburban and Tahoe, Corvette and Ford GT.

• 

  Neat Little Car - 2008 Chevrolet Aveo
  By Revoc - February 8 - 4:19 pm

  Bought the Special Value package to be able to park my F150 for the daily commute (90 mi round trip). Bought it for just under $7700 and have been very pleased with it so far. Gas mileage averaging about 29, but that is due to either in-town driving, or 75 MPH highway, very little in between. Can live without AC, will just drive the truck when its too hot. No big deal on the cheapo radio, easily remedied for $150. Has a few things I wasnt expecting for such a low priced car. Serving its purpose wonderfully, and saving more than its cost in gas as compared to driving my truck! Plus a 100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. Almost forgot how much fun a little 5 speed can be!

• 

  2007 New body Aveo LT - 2007 Chevrolet Aveo
  By xmktg - February 5 - 12:52 am

  Very nice car for the money. I was totally surprised at the interior design, fit and finish, layout and features loaded into my 07 Aveo LT. I switched out a few things and customized the car, like two tone black and tan leather seats. The factory only offers tan leather, a little too much. Gets good gas mileage, has plenty of space and really no complaints. I even went back to the dealer just to price some parts to see the cost and the parts are inexpensive!